Pew Survey: US media bias ranks worst in the world

MoonlessNight

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That’s why it’s important to understand the importance of having multiple news sources and to include opposing biased sources.

The problem with American media is that it is still under the delusion that outlets will be "fair and objective" (or at least, that's the line that they sell to the public). We can certainly strive for objectivity, but we will never reach it, and in practice in the long run organizations never get close.

The situation is better in European media where generally outlets are quite clear about who they are rooting for and don't deny primarily reporting on issues which support a desired narrative. This allows the reader to compare stories from different slanted sources and try to find a common thread of what really happened. In contrast in America every outlet claims that they have no agenda beyond reporting the plain facts, even though we all know that this is false.
 
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cow451

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The problem with American media is that it is still under the delusion that outlets will be "fair and objective" (or at least, that's the line that they sell to the public). We can certainly strive for objectivity, but we will never reach it, and in practice in the long run organizations never get close.

The situation is better in European media where generally outlets are quite clear about who they are rooting for and don't deny primarily reporting on issues which support a desired narrative. This allows the reader to compare stories from different slanted sources and try to find a common thread of what really happened. In contrast in America every outlet claims that they have no agenda beyond reporting the plain facts, even though we all know that this is false.
Valid points.
 
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bhsmte

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The problem with American media is that it is still under the delusion that outlets will be "fair and objective" (or at least, that's the line that they sell to the public). We can certainly strive for objectivity, but we will never reach it, and in practice in the long run organizations never get close.

The situation is better in European media where generally outlets are quite clear about who they are rooting for and don't deny primarily reporting on issues which support a desired narrative. This allows the reader to compare stories from different slanted sources and try to find a common thread of what really happened. In contrast in America every outlet claims that they have no agenda beyond reporting the plain facts, even though we all know that this is false.

Well stated.

When networks have to tout how objective and fair they are, it should always give one pause.
 
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The problem with American media is that it is still under the delusion that outlets will be "fair and objective" (or at least, that's the line that they sell to the public). We can certainly strive for objectivity, but we will never reach it, and in practice in the long run organizations never get close.

The situation is better in European media where generally outlets are quite clear about who they are rooting for and don't deny primarily reporting on issues which support a desired narrative. This allows the reader to compare stories from different slanted sources and try to find a common thread of what really happened. In contrast in America every outlet claims that they have no agenda beyond reporting the plain facts, even though we all know that this is false.

Also, we invest in an informed citizenry. We invest in critical thinking skills and media literacy. To keep our democracy strong requires that work for it. "Savvy citizens" does not just happen like good weather.
 
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JGG

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At least you admit it.

Notice the logic there though that a denial would be the same as admitting racism, anyway. The old Catch-22.

Yeah. Might be. All the more reason to admit it and start to resolve it. I bet every single poster on this thread has said orvdone something racist. Being aware and wanting to change goes a long way.
 
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MoonlessNight

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Also, we invest in an informed citizenry. We invest in critical thinking skills and media literacy. To keep our democracy strong requires that work for it. "Savvy citizens" does not just happen like good weather.

:rolleyes:

There's an educational system in America too, it may shock you to find out.
 
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Gadarene

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The problem with American media is that it is still under the delusion that outlets will be "fair and objective" (or at least, that's the line that they sell to the public). We can certainly strive for objectivity, but we will never reach it, and in practice in the long run organizations never get close.

The situation is better in European media where generally outlets are quite clear about who they are rooting for and don't deny primarily reporting on issues which support a desired narrative. This allows the reader to compare stories from different slanted sources and try to find a common thread of what really happened. In contrast in America every outlet claims that they have no agenda beyond reporting the plain facts, even though we all know that this is false.

Yes, true - however, one would nonetheless think that it is pretty apparent that just because a news outlet says it’s objective, that doesn’t mean it is? Why, if all Americans know this isn’t true, don’t they just read a selection of sources themselves and apply critical thinking?

As I said a few pages back - simply falling for the next crowd of charlatans claiming to be objective (the new media outlets this time) isn’t much of an improvement. The problem is not what one thinks but how one thinks, and the latter seems to be lacking.
 
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USincognito

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I thought they did? Do they just play at the end of the episode?

I don't know if it's still the case, but back in the early 80s the Germans ran commercials in blocks between programs.
 
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:rolleyes:

There's an educational system in America too, it may shock you to find out.

Most, if not all, countries have an educational system. An educational system itself does not guarantee a good outcome, i.e. informed citizenry. While some countries have taught critical media literacy as part for the course for the past forty years, some countries are only now or have only recently been waking up to its importance. And then there are countries that politicize/propagandize education and actively deny support for critical thinking skills for political purposes.
 
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I don't know if it's still the case, but back in the early 80s the Germans ran commercials in blocks between programs.

The Finnish non-commercial "BBC," the national public-broadcasting company YLE, which currently operates three TV channels and six radio channels, does not sell or run commercials at all. And yes, watching quality movies or Downton Abbey without the constant interruption of annoying commercials selling shampoo and cars and diapers is a joy and privilege. :)
 
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